ADHD Private Diagnosis
A person suffering from ADHD might need to be referred by a GP to a private healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be done in person or via video call.
Panorama, a BBC investigation has revealed that certain clinics give unreliable diagnosis. This can put people at risk.
What happens if I do not get an appointment?
A diagnosis from a professional can grant you access to treatments and decrease feelings of self-doubt or confusion. A diagnosis can also help family members to comprehend the condition and how it impacts the daily activities of a person. This can lead to stronger relationships and a more informed approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK, you should first speak to your GP about why you believe you may have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and send you to an expert to be assessed. You can accelerate the process by asking your GP to select a plan that lets you select your preferred provider.
You will then go through a thorough psychiatric assessment which includes a thorough psychotherapy session and a clinical interview. It is always beneficial to bring a family member along with you for assistance. After your assessment, the specialist will provide an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and provide suggestions for treatment. You should expect your appointment to last for about two sessions.
A diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that can arise when you attempt to obtain an appointment with the NHS. The healthcare professionals you collaborate with should be able to adhere to evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when providing care for you.
If your doctor doesn't identify you as having ADHD the doctor should explain why. It could be that they don't believe that you meet the criteria for the disorder, or they believe other conditions better explain your traits (symptoms). This is totally acceptable and shouldn't stop you from seeking a second opinion.
One of the main reasons why adults struggle to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is because they are often misunderstood by their doctor or other medical professionals. Some doctors might inform that their issues are due to a lack of effort or that they are lazy or negligent. This can be extremely frustrating However, it is important to keep in mind that these kinds of stereotypes are not based on scientific evidence.
What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis?
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to receive an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors might not be aware of the condition, or even how to recognize it. Some may dismiss the symptoms or assume the person is masking the symptoms. Some GPs are also confused about the difference between ADHD depression (everyone is down at times) and anxiety (which may have similar symptoms).
In some cases medical professionals who are unfamiliar with ADHD will confuse the person's behavior with their unmanaged ADHD or may believe that the patient is suffering from depression or anxiety due to their unmanaged ADHD. Women with ADHD are often difficult to identify because their symptoms are often more subtle and difficult to recognize. This confusion can result in inappropriate treatment of the symptoms using antidepressants or other medications that are not effective in treating ADHD.
Certain private assessment providers require a recommendation letter from your GP to set up an appointment. This is not always straightforward as NHS doctors can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred and then immediately batted back by doctors) on bogus grounds.
The GP who assesses you will ask you some questions about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms impact on it. Depending on the doctor it could include questions about your work, home and family. They will also talk about the various strengths and types of drugs available to treat ADHD and which may be best for you. Typically, doctors will look at stimulant medications first, but should this not work for you then a nonstimulant medication like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride may be suggested.
Once you have a diagnosis, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with a document that spells out the diagnosis and how they recommend that you be treated. This is referred to as a 'shared care agreement'. Some doctors will accept these agreements however, not all of them will. If your GP does not, you'll need to continue to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if how to get an adult adhd diagnosis receive a diagnosis but don't want to take medication?
A lot of the symptoms of depression and anxiety are the same as the symptoms of ADHD, so a mental health professional can help develop an appropriate treatment plan that meets the specific needs of each person. Early treatment is essential and may include therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes. Children with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a pattern of aggression toward other people or severe violations of social norms and rules at school, at home, or among friends.
What happens if I want to drive?
As the DVLA considers ADHD as a disability, having this condition could make it harder for you to get your driver's license. However it is only applicable in the event that your symptoms have a significant and long-term impact on your day to day living. This is something you'll need to discuss with your physician.
Similar to having ADHD can affect how you drive in particular when your symptoms include inattention or unpredictable driving behavior. In the end, you might find that you are having trouble organizing your car or remembering to take your medication before you get behind the wheel. If you're worried about this, you can opt to travel with a partner or only drive when there is no one else in the car.
The negative portrayal by Panorama of private healthcare in ADHD assessments is apparent. Many adults have told us that they received an diagnosis at a private clinic without any drug titration. They were then required return to their GP to wait in line for an NHS assessment. This not only discredits the NHS but also contributes to the stigma surrounding the condition, which makes many people feel that they are judged, even by family members.